Statement on the recent legislative attack by Hungary’s parliament on Central European University

On April 4, 2017 the Parliament of Hungary passed a law that will make it impossible for Central European University (CEU) to operate in Budapest.

CEU is a flagman educational institution in Central Europe committed to promoting the values of open society and critical thinking. It pursues creation of new knowledge and contributes to the foundation of democracy and human rights. CEU is a role model for other universities in the region including the Kyiv School of Economics.

We believe that it is our responsibility as academics and practitioners to speak up against the attack on freedom of expression and values of CEU. A closure of CEU would be a step back in time and a strong signal to the world that the political leadership of Hungary is taking the country in a wrong direction. Freedom, openness, and tolerance are the principles that safeguard our societies against abuse of the powerful few and ensure that our societies offer a path prosperity for all.

The attack on CEU is futile. The ideas and the values cannot be banned by a legislative action. We stand united with CEU and we hope for a quick reversal of the legislation.

Tymofiy Mylovanov, Honorary President of the Kyiv School of Economics

Yuriy Gorodnichenko, Chair of the International Academic Board of the Kyiv School of Economics

Dmytro Hryshko, Associate Professor, University of Alberta

Serhii Liutov, MA, Kyiv School of Economics

Oleksandr Zholud, MA, Kyiv School of Economics

Mariia Vasyleha, MA, Kyiv School of Economics

Smal Oleksandra, MA, Kyiv School of Economics

Natalia Shapoval, Vice President for Policy Research, Kyiv School of Economics

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